Paralegal (Patent Prosecution)

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP is seeking a Paralegal in its Health Care Life Sciences Practice Group, dedicated to supporting patent prosecution and docket management for US and international matters. The role involves preparing filings with the USPTO and PCT, managing IDS data, assignments, and maintaining confidential client communications under attorney supervision.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree with eight or more years in patent prosecution, including sequence listings knowledge,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum eight (8) years of progressive patent prosecution experience.
• Working knowledge of sequence listings highly preferred.
• Proficiency with US, PCT and international patent law.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage daily docket deadlines for US and international matters.
• Prepare and file patent applications and related filings under attorney supervision.
• Manage IDS data and recordations of assignments and name changes.
• Review USPTO and foreign correspondence promptly.
• Maintain client communications and workload prioritization.

Skills

Docket management

Patent filings

IDS management

Microsoft Office

Hybrid work

Education

Bachelor’s degree

8+ years patent prosecution

Sequence listings knowledge

Tools

Document management system

PCT

US Patent Office filings

Job description

We are always seeking talented, motivated, growth‑minded, and creative individuals. Our firm is committed to providing employee support and advancement, while embracing inclusion and innovation as keys to a stronger future.

The Paralegal is a member of the Health Care Life Sciences (HCLS) Practice Group and is assigned to specific matters, clients, projects and attorney teams. The Paralegal assists the practice group to function in a consistent productive manner; is responsive and ensures all day‑to‑day responsibilities are met under established policies and procedures while exercising discretion and confidentiality in maintaining contact with clients, attorneys, and staff. There is an annual billing component to this role of 1,500 hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure policies and procedures are being followed on a day‑to‑day basis in relation to assigned duties, including client special instructions and in accordance with established firm guidelines.
• Monitor deadlines associated with the US and international dockets, including providing follow‑up with attorneys, clients, and management in order to provide adequate time to respond.
• Review daily docket reports in accordance with established firm guidelines and correspond with the IP docket department regarding same.
• Prepare and file patent applications, pre‑grant filings and other associated filings with the USPTO and PCT under attorney supervision.
• Efficiently manage Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) data; prepare and file IDS with the USPTO under attorney supervision.
• Prepare and manage the recordation of assignments and name changes in the US and internationally.
• Working knowledge and effective application of CFR and MPEP is required.
• Review and report USPTO and foreign correspondence in a timely manner.
• Receive and act upon client instructions, including confirmation and/or draft response to client inquiries related to US, PCT and foreign applications.
• Utilize USPTO and other related government agency electronic resources effectively.
• Create and maintain electronic worksheets to assist attorneys in managing client requirements as needed.
• Maintain the firm’s official file utilizing the document management system.
• Track and record billable and non‑billable time per firm policy.
• Responsible for maintaining and prioritizing work on a daily basis and communicating if unable to meet daily responsibilities.
• Demonstrate good teamwork skills within and among practice groups, offices, and firm to facilitate efficient delivery of legal services.
• May participate in the training and professional development of other paralegals in routine practice elements.
• Willingness and flexibility to work closely with all attorneys and staff as needed.
• Provide back‑up support to other team members as needed.
• Manage workflow and effectively communicate with assigned team.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency with US, PCT and international patent law.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of clients, attorneys and staff and provide information with courtesy and tact.
• Ability to manage and work independently in a hybrid, and in‑office setting.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and with teams to promote consistent and efficient workflow processes.
• Ability to work under pressure while producing a high volume of information with attention to detail while producing an accurate work product.
• Willingness and ability to accept changing assignments and priorities.
• Ability to compose, proofread and edit (e.g., punctuation, grammar, spelling) routine memorandums and correspondence.
• Ability to identify and analyze complex issues and problems and to recommend and implement solutions.
• Strong working knowledge to utilize various online electronic filings with government agencies and to maintain worksheets for clients.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote).
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Ability to search various websites to locate information in order to communicate with clients or maintain accurate information in the firm’s various software applications associated with IP.
• Ability to provide quality client service to both internal and external clients effectively and professionally.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree is required; or any combination of specialized training, education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Minimum eight (8) years of progressive patent prosecution experience, including docket management, application filings and prosecution to gain an understanding to provide support and planning that will ensure a high quality and accurate work product.
• Working knowledge of sequence listings highly preferred.

#LI‑Hybrid

The Firm will comply with any applicable city or state workplace mandates in effect in regards to Covid‑19.

This position description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job.

The statements contained in the position description are not necessarily all‑inclusive and additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as determined by business needs.

This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

By applying for this position, you agree and understand that Troutman Pepper Locke will process your Personal Information pursuant to the terms of our Worker and Applicant Global Privacy Notice.

If you have questions about our data handling practices, or you are a resident of California, the United Kingdom, or the European Union and wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity

Troutman Pepper Locke adheres to a policy of equal opportunity and will make all employment decisions, which include hiring, promotion, transfer, demotion, evaluation, compensation and separation, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital or armed forces status and any other classification as protected by law.

Compensation is dependent on several factors, such as position, location, market, education, training, and/or experience.

Hiring Salary Range: $85,000.00 - $125,000.00

About Us

Your experience is our difference. We aim to make a tangible and lasting difference for you and your business. As a client of our firm, you can expect us to be ahead of the curve in your industry, start closer to the right answer on your issue, and create more value. What drives you, drives us.

Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever‑changing global economy. As a firm of more than 1,600 attorneys in 35 offices in the U.S., UK, and EU, including the 10 largest U.S. legal markets, we serve clients ranging from multinational companies to new market entrants across all major industry sectors, and offer differentiated experience in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate.

We put clients first. This service ethic manifests itself in everything we do, including through Troutman Plus, our market‑leading client value program. Through Troutman Plus, we collaborate with clients to understand their unique needs and deliver customized solutions that add real value to their business. A true service culture thrives on an inclusive environment of mutual support and collaboration — values we emphasize at every level of our firm. Delivering the best service to you depends on a work environment that embraces respect, inclusiveness, and teamwork, empowering every individual to contribute. The best ideas emerge when everyone has a seat at the table.

Corporate responsibility is central to our mission as we reach out to the communities we serve in meaningful partnerships and pro bono work. Individuals and groups firmwide contribute time and talent to the civic, cultural, charitable, educational, and professional organizations that matter to them.